1	Membership Matters
2	7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” They show to the world God’s ideal life.
3	7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Some reflect “holiness differentiation.”
4	7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them.
5	7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent (mostly the bans… for instance: Alcohol Smoking Gambling Secret societies Tongues
6	7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent Some are hardly known For instance…
7	True-False Test In our Membership Commitments we promise to… T/F Give to the needy. T/F Have family devotions. T/F Have personal devotions. T/F Practice fasting. T/F Give food to hungry people. T/F Give clothing to the destitute. T/F Visit people who are sick. T/F Visit people in prison. T/F Respect individual rights regardless of race, color or sex.
8	General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent Some are hardly known Many are subjective. For example….
9	6. Many are subjective. Honor the Lord’s day by avoiding detracting activities. Walk in Christian fellowship with other Christians at church with gentleness and affection. Demonstrate love, purity and courtesy to everyone. Respect individual rights regardless of race, color or sex.
10	General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent Some are hardly known Many are subjective. They are incomplete. For example….
11	We promise in our Membership Commitments… T/F We will not get an abortion except in some exceptional cases. T/F As a medical professional we will not perform abortions. T/F We will not get a sex-change operation nor practice gender cross-dressing. (They are incomplete)
12	A Bit of Historical Perspective
13	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache)
14	Membership DO’s from the Didache c. 60-100AD (1:3-6) (3:7-4:14) -Love my enemies -Pray for enemies -Fast for enemies -Turn my other cheek -Go the second mile -Give generously to anyone asking -Be gentle -Be merciful, harmless, calm & good (Not be self-exalting) -Accept all experiences as from God -Remember constantly my mentor & other saints in the church -(Not cause dissention but reconcile those fighting)
15	Membership Don’t’s from the Didache Perjuries Hypocrisies Double-heartedness Trickery Arrogance Malice Self-pleasing Greed Foul-speech Jealousy Audacity Haughtiness False-pretension Hating truth Loving lies Paying unjust wages Not helping the poor Murdering children Turning away needy Advocating for the rich Loving frivolous things Insisting on recompense
16	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence.
17	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine.
18	A Bit of Historical Perspective Thomas Welch Vineland N.J. Prohibitionist Methodist communion steward. Pasteurized grape juice to make “Dr. Welch’s unfermented wine” --1869
19	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927.
20	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927. Wesleyans adopted the Methodist Protestant’s (1828)“Elementary Principles”
21	"Methodist Protestant Elementary Principles" Methodist Protestant Elementary Principles 1. A Christian Church is a society of believers in Jesus Christ, and is of Divine institution. 2. Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the only rule of faith and conduct. 3. No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the Gospel of God our Saviour, ought to be deprived of church membership. 4. Every man has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express his opinion in any way which will not violate the laws of God, or the rights of his fellowmen. 5. Church trials should be conducted on Gospel principles only; and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for immorality; the propagation of unchristian doctrines; or the neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God. 6. The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of Divine appointment; and all elders in the Church of God are equal; but ministers are forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith of the saints. 7. The church has a right to form and enforce such rules and regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be necessary, or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical Christianity. 8. Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the church; but so much of that power may be delegated, from time to time, upon such a plan of representation as they may judge necessary and proper. 9. It is the duty of all ministers and members of the church to maintain godliness, and to oppose all moral evil. 10. It is obligatory on ministers of the Gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties; and it is also obligatory on the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors. 11. The church ought to secure to all her official bodies the necessary authority for the purpose of good government; but she has no right to create any distinct or independent sovereignties.
22	A Bit of Historical Perspective The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927. Wesleyans adopted the Methodist Protestant’s (1828)“Elementary Principles” Wesleyan thinking pervaded the temperance movement
23	The Temperance Movement The temperance movement attempted to reduce greatly the amount of alcohol consumed or even prohibit its production and consumption entirely... In predominantly Christian countries, forms of Christianity influenced by Wesleyan views on sanctification have strongly supported it at times. More specifically, religious or moralistic beliefs have often been the catalyst for temperance, though secular advocates do exist. The Women's Christian Temperance Union is a prominent example of a religion-based temperance movement. Most of the biggest supporters in all countries have been women, often as part of what some describe as feminism. The strong temperance movements of the early 20th century found most of their support in women who were opposed to the domestic violence associated with alcohol, and the large share of household income it would swallow, which was especially burdensome to the low-income working class http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance_movement
24	Why Membership Commitments change
25	Why Membership Commitments change Generational convictions change.
26	Why Membership Commitments change Generational convictions change. Culture changes
27	Why Membership Commitments change Generational convictions change. Culture changes Worldliness
28	Why Membership Commitments change Generational convictions change. Culture changes Worldliness Transfer growth
29	How membership rules change
30	How membership rules change Slow and steady advocacy.
31	How membership rules change Slow and steady advocacy. Widespread rebellion.
32	How membership rules change Slow and steady advocacy. Widespread rebellion. Denominational Merger.
33	How membership rules change Slow and steady advocacy. Widespread rebellion. Denominational Merger. Top-down action.
34	How Wesleyans debate We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral Bible— We quote verses
35	How Wesleyans debate We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral Bible— We quote verses Tradition— The dead get a vote
36	How Wesleyans debate We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral Bible— We quote verses Tradition— The dead get a vote Reason— Science is relevant
37	How Wesleyans debate We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral Bible— We quote verses Tradition— The dead get a vote Reason— Science is relevant Experience— stories accepted.
38	When we debate we consider the Unintended Consequences Adult Class Super Bowl party
39	In wisdom we try to consider the Unintended Consequences For example…. Adult Class Super Bowl party College faculty members
40	Ten Ideas Floating around
41	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change.
42	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later.
43	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights.
44	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders.
45	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers.
46	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle.
47	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. Make all membership local and non-transferable.
48	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. Make all membership local and non-transferable. Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions”
49	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. Make all membership local and non-transferable. Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions” Rather than commitments from members make them commitment to members.
50	Ten Ideas Floating around Make no change. Wait ‘til later. Upgrade Community Members rights. Make two tiers: Members and leaders. Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. Make all membership local and non-transferable. Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions” Rather than commitments from members make them commitment to members. Do a “zero-based rewrite” of the whole section.
51	Remembering the purpose They show to the world God’s ideal life. (John Drury)
52	What will we do? It is up to us… Under the authority of Scripture With the leadership of the Holy Spirit
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